Alouettes to work out Chad Johnson

April 12, 2014

ESPN.com news services

Steve Mitchell/US Presswire

Former NFL star Chad Johnson will work out Tuesday with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League.

Alouettes general manager Jim Popp released a statement Saturday confirming that contract talks "have escalated" recently between the team and Johnson, who has not played in the NFL since the 2011 season.

"We do expect to meet with Chad Johnson and work him out in Vero Beach, Fla. this week," Popp said in the statement. "Talks did take place and have escalated over the last week."

Johnson took to Twitter later Saturday, confirming that he will work out for Montreal on Tuesday.

Johnson, 36, was released by the Miami Dolphins in August 2012 after the six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver was arrested for allegedly head-butting his then-wife, Evelyn Lozada.

In June, Johnson was released from jail after serving a week of a 30-day term for a probation violation.

The flamboyant player formerly known as Chad Ochocinco has not landed with another team since being cut by Miami, despite his continued attempt to resurrect his NFL career. He had seven 1,000-yard seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals and also was a member of the New England Patriots team that reached Super Bowl XLVI following the 2011 season.

The Alouettes went 8-10 last season and are seeking their first Grey Cup since 2010, when they won their second consecutive championship.